March Newsletter

I hope this letter finds you well. Today, I want to share some insights into the individuals who enter The Rock at Noonday and underscore the significance of understanding the diverse demographics we serve.

At the Rock, our doors are open wide, welcoming all who seek essential services and the opportunity to hear the Gospel. Our community encompasses a rich array of backgrounds and life experiences. Each person brings a unique story and journey from Cuba to Africa, the Middle East, and all corners of America.

Allow me to share a story that deeply resonated with me recently. Amidst our diverse community, there was an individual who, at first glance, appeared to belong here yet was from Lebanon. Having previously worked with refugees from the Middle East, I consider it a blessing to have encountered him. Listening to his story and struggles, I couldn't help but be grateful for the opportunity to connect with him.

As our conversation unfolded, we delved into matters of faith and purpose. As a Muslim, he inquired about the driving force behind the work I do. With sincerity, I shared that my calling stems from Christ's commandment to love and serve the hurting in our community. His response was one of gratitude, acknowledging the genuine care exhibited by Christians like us. Despite differing beliefs, he recognized the universal language of compassion and service.

Reflecting on this encounter, I invite you to consider the profound impact of serving others. Each interaction presents a chance to listen, understand, and extend care to individuals yearning to share their stories. It's a reminder that our actions, no matter how small, ripple outward, bringing hope to those who may feel forgotten or marginalized.

To all who generously give their time, prayers, and resources month after month, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Your support enables us to facilitate conversations that ignite hope in the hearts of many. You are the catalysts for change, the beacons of light in a world sometimes overshadowed by darkness.

In closing, let us continue to embrace the hurting, to listen intently, and to extend compassion without reservation. Together, we can be instruments of transformation, spreading love and hope to all who cross our paths.

Sincerely,

Ricardo Devine
Executive Director
The Rock at Noonday

END OF THE YEAR

As we bid farewell to 2023, we can't help but feel immense gratitude for the incredible journey we've shared together. Your unwavering support, prayers, and dedication have allowed us to make a significant impact on the lives of those in need in our Albuquerque community.

Here are some numbers that tell the story of our collective efforts:

Over 85,000 Plates Served: Through your generosity, we have provided nourishment and hope by serving over 85,000 plates of food to the unhoused and less fortunate in our community. This milestone represents not just meals but moments of connection and compassion that have made a lasting impact on those who need it most.

7 Individuals and Families Housed: In 2023, we've assisted seven individuals and families in finding stable housing. Your prayers and support have helped transform lives, offering a fresh start and the promise of a brighter future.

Comprehensive Support Services: Beyond meals and housing, your contributions have enabled us to offer a range of essential services, including clothing, showers, access to mail, and computer lab facilities. These resources empower individuals to take crucial steps toward self-sufficiency, such as applying for jobs and accessing other essential services.

As we reflect on these achievements, we want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has made this year a success. Whether through prayer, volunteering your time, or giving resources, you have made a tangible difference in the lives of those facing hardships.

Looking ahead to 2024, we invite you to continue this incredible journey with us. Let's join forces once again to make an even greater impact on the lives of individuals and families in Albuquerque. Your ongoing support is the driving force behind our mission, and we are excited to see the positive change we can create together.

Thank you for being a beacon of hope and compassion. May the coming year bring new opportunities for growth, transformation, and shared blessings.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Ricardo Devine
Executive Director

A Season of Giving

We hope this message finds you well. We are excited to share the success of the recent event hosted at The Rock at Noonday on December 4, 2023, in support of Crossroads for Women.

Thanks to your generosity and the support of partners like the US Eagle Federal Credit Union, the event was nothing short of heartwarming. Together, we made a significant impact by providing 40 gifts for children, along with the extra joy of mothers handpicking special treats for their little ones. The smiles on their faces were truly priceless.

The atmosphere was filled with warmth and gratitude as we also had the pleasure of treating the mothers to a delicious meal from Rudy's Barbeque. Your support and the collective effort of our sponsors, donors, and volunteers turned this into a festive celebration that created lasting memories for everyone involved.

It's important to recognize that none of this would have been possible without your contribution. Your belief in our cause and your willingness to make a difference in the lives of these children and women is truly inspiring.

As we bask in the success of this event, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to you and all the wonderful individuals and organizations who played a vital role in making it happen.

Your generosity can make a lasting impact on the lives of these children, women, and others facing challenging circumstances in our community. Your gift, no matter the size, has the power to bring smiles and joy to those who need it most.

Please consider making an end-of-year gift to help us continue our ongoing mission to spread love and support. Together, we can make a difference that resonates far beyond this holiday season.

Thank you for being a vital part of our community and for making the world a brighter place.

Warm regards,

Ricardo Devine
Executive Director

Dec 2023 Newsletter

I hope this letter finds you well. As we reflect on the year, I am excited to share a story that illustrates the impact of compassion and hope—qualities you have consistently championed through your generous support of The Rock at Noonday.

In the heart of Albuquerque, where broken families face trials and rival gangs tighten their grip, two lives intersected at a critical crossroads—within the welcoming walls of The Rock at Noonday. More than just a refuge for food and shelter, this sanctuary has become a haven for healing and new beginnings.

Imagine two men, once bitter enemies, entangled in the destructive web of rival gangs. Their journeys were marked by despair, leading them towards a dark path that threatened incarceration. However, fate intervened, and a remarkable transformation began to unfold.

One of these men found solace and renewal by placing his trust in Christ, guided by a newfound faith that allowed him to emerge from the shadows of his past. Simultaneously, upon release from jail, the other took steps towards change, fueled by a resolute commitment to rebuild his life. Now, as they meet at The Rock at Noonday, these two men no longer see enemies but friends bound by shared experiences of redemption and second chances.

The Rock at Noonday stands as a testament to the belief that every person, regardless of background, seeks hope—a belief dear to us and one that your support has helped us nurture. Your unwavering commitment to breaking down walls of hate and fostering an environment of compassion and love has transformed The Rock at Noonday into a beacon of positive change. Through your support, we have witnessed the building of bridges between individuals who once harbored animosity towards each other.

The need to continue this transformative work is pressing, and we invite you to be part of the solution. As we approach the year's end, we ask you to consider a meaningful opportunity for year-end giving. Your reflection on the impact your assistance can make is pivotal. The Rock at Noonday is dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome challenges, providing sustenance, and establishing a foundation for lasting change.

Your continued support will empower us to deliver vital resources to a community in need, ensuring that The Rock at Noonday remains a haven for those seeking hope and healing. Together, we can be the catalyst for change, impacting the lives of those who have found solace and redemption within these transformative walls.

Thank you for being an integral part of our mission and helping us make a tangible difference.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Ricardo Devine
Executive Director

Nov 2023 Newsletter

I hope this newsletter finds you well. Today, I like to share a story that illustrates the power of love, compassion, and faith in the face of despair.

Meet Zack, a young man who recently found himself at a crossroads in life. When Zack first walked through our doors, he was without shoes, disheveled, and carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. It was evident that he had been going through some incredibly tough days and needed someone to reach out and offer a helping hand.

As Zack and I sat down in my office, a conversation began. Zack opened up about his struggles, revealing that he had been battling suicidal thoughts for the past few days. He even shared a chilling encounter from a few nights ago when he had tried to step in front of a moving car. The reason for his despair? He had recently relapsed into addiction and was consumed by guilt and self-loathing. Zack confided that he felt utterly alone, believing that no one in his life cared about his well-being. In that vulnerable moment, I assured Zack that The Rock was here for him, offering a refuge of safety and compassion. Tears streamed down Zack's face as he expressed his gratitude for having someone willing to listen and care.

I shared the Gospel with Zack. I reminded him that, no matter what, when we place our trust in the Lord, we are never truly alone. God walks beside us in our darkest hours, providing strength and guidance. Even in the depths of despair, there is a flicker of hope that can light our way.

As the conversation continued, Zack confessed that he had always been on the fence about Christianity. He had never truly felt loved or accepted. I shared the transformative truth that Christ's love is all-encompassing, unyielding, and unconditional. It is a love that fills the void in our hearts and brings purpose to our lives.

In the closing moments of the discussion, I encouraged Zack to consider surrendering his life to Christ, making Him his Lord and Savior. It was a profound moment of spiritual connection and healing, and Zack left our center that day with a newfound glimmer of hope in his eyes.

This encounter serves as a reminder of the incredible impact your support has on individuals like Zack. Your donations and prayers enable us to be a beacon of hope for those who have lost their way, providing a safe haven where they can experience love, compassion, and the transformative power of the Gospel.

As we continue our mission to help people find solid ground when they feel on the edge, we are deeply grateful for each and every one of you. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Ricardo Devine

Executive Director